The Day Before Her Second Semester Of Her Sophomore Year Of College Started, She Tragically Took Her Own Life, And Now Her Mom Has Launched A Nonprofit To Help Others In Need Of Mental Health Support
When Taylor Rae Nolan was born on April 28, 1996, her family immediately knew that she was a ray of sunshine. Her bubbly personality was infectious, as was her smile, and she went on to relish all that childhood had to offer.
“She was a very determined young girl who could climb trees and ride four-wheelers with the boys and then put on a frilly dress and do all the things little girls sometimes do, too,” her mother, Taylora Schlosser, said.
Then, as a teen, Taylor proved to be a dedicated student with big dreams for her future. She was accepted into the University of Kentucky, where she decided to pursue a double major in Integrated Strategic Communications and Digital Media and Design.
And Taylor’s hard work in her studies ultimately led her to land an internship at iHeart Radio, where she got to meet influential music performers and work alongside industry leaders.
But, on January 8, 2019, everything changed for Taylor and her family. She had just finished celebrating Christmas break the day before and traveled back to the Chi Omega sorority house.
However, the day before her second semester of sophomore year began, Taylor tragically took her own life.
She had gone rock climbing with her boyfriend, Noah, and was even gifted a Cavalier King Charles puppy just the week before.
“Seemingly, life was not just good; it was the kind of good that every young girl dreams of having,” Taylora recalled.
Instagram; pictured above is Taylor
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Unfortunately, though, Taylor’s story highlights just how tiring mental health struggles can become even in the face of “seemingly good” events. The nineteen-year-old had been open about her mental health and was even seeing a therapist. But, Taylora never once thought that her daughter was suicidal.
“I don’t think I am ever gonna get through grief, but I need to figure out how to turn our hurt into hope,” the mom said in an interview with LEX18 in 2019.
In turn, Taylora created a nonprofit known as The Rae of Sunshine Foundation. The Foundation’s goal is to partner with churches, schools, and institutions to provide mental health training and support to those who are struggling. The Foundation’s logo is also a sun with blonde curls radiating from the center– just like Taylor’s hair.
“The curly sunshine is a reminder of Taylor Rae, but our hope is that this sunshine will be a reminder that each of us can be a ‘Rae’ of sunshine in a world that is afraid to talk about mental health,” the Foundation’s website says.
And to get involved in the effort, supporters can purchase Rae of Sunshine merchandise that symbolizes Taylor’s positive personality– in which all sale proceeds go toward supporting the Foundation’s mission.
To learn more about The Rae of Sunshine Foundation or donate to spread more “raes” to those in need, you can visit the link here.
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